Vontaze Burfict declares
 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...f=twitter_feed

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict says he'll skip his senior season and make himself eligible for the NFL draft.

Burfict made the announcement Tuesday in a one-paragraph statement. He thanked his coaches and professors and added that he plans to return to school in the future to get his degree.

The 6-foot-3 Burfict was the Sun Devils' second-leading tackler this season with 69, including seven for losses. He also had an interception and fumble recovery.

But Burfict was supposed to be one of the Pac-12's most dominant defensive players this year and coach Dennis Erickson described the linebacker's season as "average."

As a sophomore, Burfict led the team in tackles with 90 and was a second-team All-Pac-10 selection. In 2009, he was the Pac-10's Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Is this the guy that was benched for bad behavior?

Yeah, the guy is Brian Cox. He's good for at least one personal foul a game.

Very intriguing prospect. Has the potential to be one of the best backers in the league, but first he needs to fix the attitude. You could compare him to J. Baldwin I guess in that regard. Trading down to the late first, or if he slips to the second round and i'm all over it

He is intriguing but the lack of control is a big red flag. His lack of control was a point of emphasis going into the season and he knew the scouts would be watching him closely and he still couldn't control himself. I have heard that his stock has dropped considerably. Maybe he will end up being a Justin Houston-like steal in the 3rd.

only saw one game (missouri?) but he didn't blow me away...rarely in right place, kind of like a baseball player always swinging for a homerun when you just need a base hit

Would rather have Hightower.

I'm entirely certain that the Chargers are selecting an OLB or an OG with the 18th pick. I'm wondering if they'll take a chance on this guy or not? Seems like you could trade down to get him.

I'm really high on Whitney Mercilus. I think that's who I want.

I watched a few ASU games and he seemed to disappear a lot. He was a non factor that was more know for penalties than big plays.

Uhh... what did Jon Baldwin do that was so bad besides say after the season, "My QB sucked"

I watched most all ASU games and this is it. He has tons of talent but I don't know how smart he is or how coachable he is going to be either.

Might not of been tbe best example but Baldwin took plays off, didnt try on run blocking occasionally, and was fairly well known as having a diva attitude. Hence a lot of people weren't to surprised about the clash in the locker room

He will get picked by Baltimore more than likely and be a star.

I watched a couple of his games this year and came away unimpressed. He has a lot of potential, athleticism, and fearless explosion but is very undisciplined. He over-pursues, gets distracted, and lets his emotions get the better of him.

AZ St. looking like a strong candidate to appear on the 2012 TFG Wonderlic Odds...